Windows
Compatible applications
Quick Facts
Basic information about this file format
Extension
.PRG
File Type
Program File
Category
Programming
Best first step
Use compatible software
Quick Summary
A practical overview of the .prg file format
The .prg file extension is a versatile suffix primarily used to denote program files or source code scripts across several distinct computing platforms and development environments. One of its most iconic uses is within the Commodore 64 and 8-bit computing era, where it served as the standard forma…
File extension
.PRG
File type
Program File
Category
Programming
Recommended action
Open with a trusted compatible app
How to open a .prg file
Start with a trusted app that supports this format
- Check the file extension carefully and confirm that the file name really ends with .prg.
- Use software that supports this file type. If one app does not work, try another compatible program for the same platform.
- Update the application if the file was created by a newer version of the software.
- Scan files from unknown sources before opening them, especially documents, archives, scripts, installers, and executable files.
What is a .prg file?
File extension details and usage information
The .prg file extension is a versatile suffix primarily used to denote program files or source code scripts across several distinct computing platforms and development environments. One of its most iconic uses is within the Commodore 64 and 8-bit computing era, where it served as the standard format for executable programs, containing binary data that the system would load into memory. In the professional database world, .prg is the standard extension for procedural source code files in xBase languages such as dBASE, FoxPro, and Clipper. These files contain scripts that automate data manipulation, generate reports, and manage database structures. Furthermore, the extension is frequently utilized by various industrial automation systems and CNC machines to store instruction sets. Because the extension is used by many unrelated systems, the content of a .prg file can range from human-readable plain text to complex binary machine code, requiring the specific original software or a compatible emulator to execute or view correctly.
Software Compatibility
Programs that may open or work with .prg files
macOS
Compatible applications
Linux
Compatible applications
Mobile
Mobile applications
Can .prg files be converted?
Options for saving or exporting this file to another format
In many cases, a .prg file can be converted by opening it in compatible software and using an option such as Save As, Export, or Convert. The available output formats depend on the file type and the application used.
- Use the original software that created the file when possible.
- Check whether the application supports exporting to common formats.
- Be careful with online converters when working with private, business, or sensitive files.
- If conversion fails, the file may be corrupted, incomplete, encrypted, or not actually a .prg file.
Why can't I open a .prg file?
Common reasons this file type may not open correctly
Wrong software
The file may require a specific program that supports the .prg format.
Incorrect extension
The file extension may have been renamed manually, even though the actual file format is different.
Corrupted file
The file may be incomplete, damaged during download, or transferred incorrectly.
Outdated app
Your software may need to be updated before it can open newer versions of this file format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about .prg files
To open a .prg file, use software that supports this file format.
- Microsoft Visual FoxPro
- dBASE PLUS
- VICE Commodore Emulator
- Notepad++
- Sublime Text
Open the file in compatible software and look for options such as Save As, Export, or Convert. If no export option is available, the file may require a specialized converter or the original application that created it.
- Verify that the file extension is correct.
- Install or update compatible software.
- Try another application that supports this format.
- Check whether the file is corrupted, incomplete, or encrypted.
A file extension alone does not guarantee whether a file is safe or unsafe. Only open files from trusted sources, scan unknown files before opening them, and be especially careful with executable, script, archive, and document files.
File safety tips
Use caution with unknown files
Only open files from trusted sources. Before opening a .prg file, scan it with antivirus software, verify that the file extension is expected, and avoid running unknown executable, installer, macro-enabled document, or script files.